"There
was a real need for an inexpensive portable battery charger that would let you
get equipment started without having to fool around with electrical cords and
also be useful in remote areas where electricity is not available," says
Howard Johnson, manufacturer of a new gas-powered portable battery charger
that's powered by a small 2-cycle Tecumseh 1 1/2 hp engine.

He notes
that the only other type of gas-powered chargers available are commercial car
starting quick chargers often found on tow trucks.
Johnson's 50-amp unit weighs just 35 lbs. and will fully charge a big battery
in 10 to 15 min. It's fitted with cut-out switches that prevent overcharging.